Kenyan newspapers on Wednesday, September 23, reported on various topics, with the 2027 General Election politics dominating the pages. The Star newspaper reported that the Kalonzo Musyoka-led opposition bloc is set to formally declare Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as its joint presidential candidate by October 10. Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna is earmarked as his running mate for the 2027 general election.
A weekend retreat at Stone Athi resort is scheduled to bring together Kalonzo, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, former Embu governor aspirant Lenny Kivuti, DAP-Kenya's Eugene Wamalwa, and other allied leaders to finalize the political roadmap. Sources within the camp, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the group has resolved to back Kalonzo's candidature "with or without Gachagua's blessings." The pairing is seen as a deliberate effort to balance regional support bases and appeal across generations.
An Infotrak survey placed the Kalonzo-Sifuna combination at 23% support, ranking it among the opposition's most popular presidential pairings. A separate TIFA poll showed Sifuna polling at 15% individually, ahead of Kalonzo's 13% in standalone presidential popularity. Sifuna is expected to launch his own political party within ten days. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale confirmed that the Nairobi senator's candidacy is non-negotiable in any coalition discussions.
The weekend gathering will also address the position of impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua within the coalition. Sources indicate the group is prepared to offer him the role of Prime Cabinet Secretary rather than the presidential slot. Gachagua, currently in the United States as part of a tour to advance his 2027 ambitions, has maintained publicly that he intends to run for president, positioning himself as the indispensable Mt Kenya vote anchor.
The High Court upheld Gachagua's impeachment in June, though it found his right to a fair hearing had been violated and awarded him KSh 50 million in damages, a ruling he has since appealed. The Kalonzo camp's urgency stems from concern that Gachagua's preference for delaying a candidacy announcement until March or April 2027 could blunt the opposition's momentum.
The retreat follows Azimio la Umoja's rebranding as the Ukombozi Alliance, announced by Kalonzo on September 21, 2026. Former president Uhuru Kenyatta, who served as the coalition's chairman, is expected to hand over leadership to Siaya governor James Orengo. The name change has drawn formal objections from the National Liberal Party, a constituent member of Azimio, which accused the coalition's leadership of proceeding without proper consultation or adherence to the Coalition Agreement.
A separate dispute concerns the Ukombozi People's Party name, linked to efforts to rebrand the United Democratic Party, formerly associated with the late Cyrus Jirongo, and now driven by Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya. Records show that on March 13, 2025, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties reserved the Ukombozi People's Party name for Allan Jayuga Akivaga, giving him 90 days to complete registration.
Key points
- Kalonzo Musyoka is set to be named the opposition flagbearer for the 2027 general election.
- Edwin Sifuna is earmarked as Kalonzo Musyoka's running mate.
- The opposition bloc's move comes amid a dispute with impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his role in the coalition.
